HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR OF FAILURE?
10 September, 2018 (Consolace Counselling Services)
What is the fear of failure? And how to overcome it?
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” - Paulo Coelho.
Fear is a feeling so strong that it can make the possible seem impossible. It is indeed true that each one of us encounter fear at one point or the other in our life. But, it is not the same situation that induces fear in every individual. The situations, circumstances or the things that scare people vary with person to person. Some students keep mum even if they know the right answer to the teacher's question. It is the fear of getting wrong that stops them from speaking up in the class. fear and failureThere are people who hesitate to step out of their comfort zone because they fear to face the challenges of outside world. People refusing to move out of their native place, or people who step back from participating in a program are all displaying their fears in one form or the other. The fear of failure is what stops us from achieving our goals.
Not all exhibit fear to the same extent. There are different levels of fear. Those who feel butterflies in the stomach before entering an exam hall, going on stage, or at any such occasions are the ones who get nervous out of fear. One may get anxious and nervous when it comes to facing new situations. Nervousness and anxiety can affect your performance but it can be overcome by believing in oneself and by staying focused. The problem with this emotion called fear is that it is not limited to short-lived nervousness. There are times when it can last over a period of time and become so dangerous that it can bring your life to a standstill. One may get so mentally exhausted at some points which may even turn out to be life threatening.
How to overcome fear of failure?
The first step to fight fear begins with knowing yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses. It becomes really important to understand what induces fear in you and why. Keep a record of the things and situations that generate a sense of fear in you. Try to face those fears by setting achievable goals. If it becomes really difficult to control your mind and drive it in the way to overcome fear, one can also try the following methods-
- Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga etc. can help in dealing with anxiety to a great extent. In order to look fear right into its eyes, it is important to calm down your mind and focus. Relaxation techniques will help you in doing that.
- Talking therapies: They say, 'A problem is half solved when it is shared.’ There are a number of efficient counselling centres in Trivandrum where you can seek help. Talk about your fears and anxiety symptoms to the counsellors. They will help in bringing back your lost confidence so that you become capable of overcoming your fears.
Understand your fears and get ready to face them. “Don't let the fear of what could happen make nothing happen.”
(Idea of this article is taken from the Malayalam article of Sandhya Rani published in 'IMA Nammude Aarogyam' Magazine June 2016. To read in Malayalam click here)